Deep Dive: References in ‘Gundam Build Divers’ Episode 9

Gunpla fans are rejoicing over Gundam Build Divers, a new Sunrise anime all about our favorite model kits. But it could be tricky to catch the more obscure Gundam references in the show… until now.

Welcome to Deep Dive, a new column from Gundam expert Tom Aznable that points out the more unexpected aspects of the Gundam multiverse that make it into the show. Nothing passes Tom’s eagle eye for spotting this stuff (we suspect Newtype abilities), but this column focuses specifically on rare sightings and deep cuts. Read on to see what you may have missed.

Episode 9: Return of the Ogre

Hyakki member Rose’s custom Jagd Doga Thorn is based on the repaired version of Quess Paraya’s Jagd Doga that appeared amongst the Neo-Zeon Sleeves forces in Gundam UC. In fact, when the Hyakki roster shows up, they give it a distinct model number MSN-03SL, likely short for Sleeves. It appears here equipped with the Gabthley’s distinctive Fedayeen Rifle.

The flagship that Ogre destroys to win the stage at the beginning of the episode is the Pegasus class Thoroughbred from the PlayStation 2 game Encounters in Space’s Space, To the End of A Flash sidestory campaign. This was called the Thoroughbred campaign in the domestic US release. The Thoroughbred itself was inspired by a green White Base-like ship briefly glimpsed at Jaburo in the original Mobile Suit Gundam.